Camshaft Seal Replacement Cost Estimate

Diagnosing the camshaft seal is generally not necessary, and would only include removing the timing belt cover, cleaning, and inspecting for leaks after running the engine for a moment. In most other situations, the camshaft seals may be serviceable when replaced, but due to the highly economical cost to change these seals while doing a timing belt service, they will be changed regardless of condition.

Removal of the timing belt cover, and any accessories that obstruct its removal is necessary to service the camshaft seals. Once the timing cover is removed, the engine will be placed at top dead center, or another mark as indicated by the manufacturer, and the timing belt will be released and removed, perhaps after locking the camshafts. At that time the camshaft sprockets are removed, and the camshaft seals are pulled from the cylinder head, and new seals are lubricated and pressed in evenly. Once complete, the timing belt, sprockets, and pulleys will be replaced, and the timing verified before reassembling the front cover and all removed obstruction components.

It is recommended to replace the seals for the camshaft and crankshaft at every timing belt service. The cost is low, but considering the replacement procedure above, this would not be an economical procedure to repeat to save minimal costs.

All seals are not created equally, and when choosing a brand for the seal the original equipment manufacturer is likely the best option. This will ensure that the part purchased is up to standard with the latest OEM updates, improvements, or revisions.

Since camshaft and crankshaft seal replacement necessitates the removal of timing components, it is not recommended for the DIYer to attempt this task. A thorough knowledge of internal engine components, engine timing, additional systems, and several specialty tools are required to properly perform this repair.